AP sources: Star Vikings RB Cook absent after father's death
(AP Photo/Butch Dill)MINNEAPOLIS – Running back Dalvin Cook is not practicing with the Minnesota Vikings this week, due to the death of his father. Cook has a younger brother, James Cook, who is a running back for Georgia. He was picked for a second straight Pro Bowl, with 1,557 rushing yards, 361 receiving yards and 17 total touchdowns in 14 games. Cook’s absence will clinch a second consecutive rushing title for Tennessee’s Derrick Henry, who has a 220-yard lead on Cook. Cook has a slim lead on Henry atop the NFL with 1,918 total yards.
Russell Wilson, Travis Kelce among NFL Man of Year nominees
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) talks at the end of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Seattle's star quarterback Russell Wilson and Kansas City's standout tight end Travis Kelce are among the 32 finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)In a year impacted by a pandemic and social unrest, NFL players have spoken out and stepped up. “The 32 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees remind us that even in the face of adversity, players continue to raise awareness and use their voice and platform to positively impact their communities. “Being nominated as the Chiefs' Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year is one of the greatest honors of my professional career,” tight end Travis Kelce said. As an organization captain, he directs a team of active NFL players who are committed to using their platform to help address the clean water crisis.
Saints' Brees takes first step toward mending relationships
Ross Cameron, File)NEW ORLEANS NEW ORLEANS (AP) Drew Brees now realizes he'd fallen out of touch. In the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, Brees repeated his opposition to kneeling during the national anthem. The Saints, Brees included, chose to kneel moments before the anthem and then stand as it began. Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins called Brees part of the problem, in a video he posted on social media. Brees' track record may be one reason Carolina Panthers tight end Chris Manhertz, a former Brees teammate in New Orleans, echoed Davis' sentiments.
NFL stars in San Antonio give supplies to immigrant families separated at border
SAN ANTONIO – Two NFL stars said it’s not about being political, it’s about being human when it comes to the current immigration crisis on the border. Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman and New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis were in San Antonio on Wednesday trying to make a difference in the lives of immigrants who had been separated from family members. Norman and Davis were disturbed by images of immigrant families separated at the border, so they met in San Antonio, bought supplies, stuffed backpacks and handed them out to the families. AdRAICES led the event, and Ryan said it was done to make these families feel loved and supported. "I think it's important what happened today — that these two stars showed their humanity and shared that message — that we are all humans," Ryan said.